Hello, my partner and I are going to Italy on Scandinavian Airlines in the spring of 2024. We're going from San Francisco International Airport to Copenhagen Airport, where we have an hour and 10 minute layover, then Copenhagen Airport --on the same airline-- to the Rome Airport. A few questions: First, is Scandinavian Airlines really that bad? I've read many reviews where people said they're flight was delayed or that their luggage was lost and now I am terrified about flying with them... I've considered booking with someone else but other airlines are expensive and I have also read some OK reviews of SAS. Secondly, I'm starting to worry that our 1 hour and 10 minute layover time won't be enough time to deplane, go through passport security and security, then to get on the next Scandinavian Airlines flight on to Rome. Thoughts?
Posted by
Chicago
924 posts
I had a bad experience with a last minute cancelled plane in July 2023. Ended up with 2 extra nights in Copenhagen before I could be re-booked acceptably. The Chicago to CPH flights didn't fly for 2 days, then finally flew after a 12+ hour delay on the third day. Tech problem with the one plane that flies between CPH and ORD. The airlines is coming out of bankruptcy and is wet-leasing planes to run their published schedules. They didn't/couldn't quickly bring in another plane to fly the disabled plane's route.
We flew two smaller SAS planes within Europe in July. No complaints from me.
I've only had carry-on for SAS this or past trips.
Pre-Covid, I had flown SAS several times. I wasn't impressed with the attitude of the flight attendants, but this summer thought service was fine.
I don't know that there are systemic problems with SAS at this point. It does seem that when operational difficulties arise, they have trouble recovering, I wonder about the published and sold schedules being realistic.
Did SAS route you with the 1 hour, 10 minute layover? If so, they consider it do-able. I would find it tight, but it must be OK if planes are on time. Actually, I think my ORD - CPH flight landed in Copenhagen a bit early.
Who knows these days?? Problems with many airlines!
Posted by
Sweden
6603 posts
First, is Scandinavian Airlines really that bad?
No, they are a pretty good airline. Granted, I've been terribly delayed when flying SAS, but I've also been terribly delayed when flying KLM, or Lufthansa or British Airways or other airlines.
I've read many reviews where people said they're flight was delayed or
that their luggage was lost and now I am terrified about flying with
them...
People only tend to write reviews of airlines when something goes wrong. Those that have had a good flight will rarely bother writing a review. Here is a less negative view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9fGmwPUUQ4&t=426s
Secondly, I'm starting to worry that our 1 hour and 10 minute layover
time won't be enough time to deplane, go through passport security and
security, then to get on the next Scandinavian Airlines flight on to
Rome.
I would not worry about it. Copenhagen is a small airport and you will probably have at most a 15 minute walk from arrival gate to departure gate, plus an immigration check.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4567 posts
If you're on SAS the whole way, they will make sure you make the connection and get to your destination
Posted by
Los Angeles
4567 posts
If you Google "problems with" and insert any airline, you'll find some. That's how the business works.
Posted by
Los Angeles
825 posts
I've considered booking with someone else but other airlines are expensive
You often get what you pay for. How much is a stress-free journey worth?
ITA Airways flies nonstop SFO =>FCO. No connection to worry about.